The celebration for Buddha’s birthday always draws a large crowd at the Nhu Lai Temple in Denver, both celebrants and protestors.   For two years now, dozens of all ages have gathered to protest in responses to alleged actions by the temple’s spiritual leaders Cuong Kim Le, also known as Thich Chanh Lac. 

The protests began on a weekly basis in March 2016 following Le’s (Lac’s) denial that the temple’s youth group gain access to the classroom building in the temple.   Le also prohibited the group from conducting ceremonies in the pray hall.   The denials were part of an ongoing battle between Le and former followers who have asked that Le step down after allegations of sexual and financial misconduct.   These allegations began more than a decade ago when two sisters accused Le of sexual molestation.   The girls won a multi-million civil verdict against Le and the church’s board of directors. 

Despite the temple no longer associated with the Unified Buddhist Church of Vietnam, Le remain the leader.   According to members of the opposition, Le has restricted attendance at the temple to only those who support him. 

So far, Denver law enforcement and the judicial system have chosen to stay out of the dispute calling it a civil matter and acknowledging the right to separation of church and state.   Denver Mayor Michael Hancock and city council member Jolon Clark recently tried to help the two groups by engaging them in mediation.   The temple was reluctant to participate in mediation unless the protests were ended and negative information on the website about Le was removed.   The temple continues to stand behind its refusal to mediate unless the protests cease.